15 Incredible Celery Benefits

Celery lowers cholesterol levels and arthritis pain, helps in weight loss, detoxifies the body, reduces high blood pressure, and promotes overall health in a vast number of ways. It is rich in vitamin C and hence is extremely beneficial for health.

What is Celery?

Celery is a plant of the Apiaceae family and is consumed as a vegetable. It can be found throughout the world and is an integral part of certain cuisines. Its origins most likely trace back to the Mediterranean and North African areas, since what is believed to be a rudimentary variety of species of celery was found in King Tut’s tomb, and a plant closely resembling it is referenced multiple times in Mediterranean myth and history. The plant is now cultivated globally and is a part of every cuisine from America and Ireland to Japan and Australia.

For culinary use, it is most commonly found in soups and salads, or as a garnish to certain dishes. Also, it is commonly eaten as a snack, since it is quite filling but not fattening.

Health Benefits of Celery

The health benefits of celery include the following:

Lowers Cholesterol Level

A research study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that eating celery every day may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol (called LDL or bad cholesterol). The phthalides in this herb also stimulate the secretion of bile juices, which work to reduce cholesterol levels. Less cholesterol means less plaque on the artery walls and a general improvement in heart health. The fiber that is found in it also works to scrape the cholesterol out of the bloodstream and eliminate it from the body with regular bowel movements, further boosting cardiovascular health.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Celery contains phthalides, which are organic chemical compounds that can lower the level of stress hormones in your blood. Also, a 2009 study revealed that celery has hypolipidemic effects on your body that allow your blood vessels to expand, giving your blood more room to move, thereby reducing pressure. It also contains potassium, which is a vasodilator and helps in reducing blood pressure. When blood pressure is reduced, it puts less stress on the entire cardiovascular system and reduces the chances of developing atherosclerosis or suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

Celery seeds help in the elimination of uric acid because it is commonly used for its diuretic properties, meaning that it stimulates urination. Therefore, it is good for people with bladder disorders, kidney problems, cystitis, and other similar conditions. The seeds also assist in preventing urinary tract infections in women.

A research study titled “Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Relation to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction Among Southern Chinese Elderly Men” claims that celery helps in reducing UTI symptoms in men as well.

Lowers Arthritis Pain

Celery is great for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain around the joints. Its sticks also act as a diuretic, which helps remove uric acid crystals that build up around the body’s joints that can add to the pain and discomfort. It can also increase the regrowth of tissue in inflamed joints.

Anticancer Properties

Celery contains phthalides, flavonoids like luteolin, and polyacetylenes. A study conducted at the Molecular Biology and Lung Cancer Program, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, USA suggests that luteolin has cancer-fighting properties. Celery also contains coumarins that enhance the activity of certain white blood cells, which can effectively stave off cancer as well.

In another study led by Gao, LL et al. it was found that that celery seed extract exerts anti-proliferation and effect against gastric cancer and its use may induce apoptosis or programmed cell death.

These antioxidant components seek out free radicals and neutralize them before they can cause conditions such as cancer.

Boosts Immune System

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, celery greatly boosts the immune system and makes it more active and efficient. Eating this vitamin C rich vegetable regularly can reduce your risk of catching a common cold, as well as protect you against a variety of other diseases.

Reduces Asthma Symptoms

Vitamin C present in celery prevents free radical damage and also has anti-inflammatory properties that lessen the severity of inflammatory conditions like asthma.

Improves Heart Health

The notable presence of vitamin C, fiber, and other organic chemicals in the roots of celery promotes cardiovascular health.

Regulates Fluid Balance

Celery is rich in both sodium and potassium, and both of these minerals help regulate the fluid balance in the body.

Relieves Migraines

The presence of coumarins in celery can provide relief from migraines. The exact mechanism isn’t completely understood, but research points to a suppression of nitric oxide release in the brain, which can cause headaches and migraines.

Detoxifies the Body

It acts as an antioxidant, and in truth, all parts of celery, including the seeds, roots, and leaves can be used. Eating this vegetable regularly helps to avoid diseases of the kidney, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

Treats Rheumatism

Controls Diabetes

Celery leaves are also eaten for treating various diabetic conditions. This is because of their high fiber content, which has been shown to help manage diabetic symptoms.

Prevents Cataracts

Dripping celery tea drops on eyelids is good for certain ophthalmological conditions and can improve your eye health, reduce your chances of developing cataracts, and protect you against macular degeneration.

Nerve Tonic

Celery contains high calcium and due to this, it is commonly used to calm the nerves.

Weight Loss

Regular drinking of celery juice before meals may help reduce your weight. It is very low in calories and is also filling due to its high fiber content. Therefore, it can help reduce the tendency to overeat and help you keep the weight down without feeling hungry all the time!

Other Benefits

Celery helps prevent many diseases and conditions that include neuritis, constipation, asthma, high blood pressure, catarrh, pyorrhea and dropsy, mental exhaustion, acidosis, anemia, obesity, and tuberculosis. It also helps in improving overall health and strength of teeth.

How to Select and Store?

It is easily available in markets all over the world. Choose the one which is green in color, has no discoloration, has fresh and crisp leaves. Store it in the refrigerator and use within 5-7 days. Make sure you do not freeze it.

The seeds of this vegetable contain volatile oils, flavonoids, coumarins, and linoleic acid, and are therefore not good for pregnant women because they may cause contractions in the uterus. Other than that, eat as many of those crunchy, green, and healthy stalks as you can!

Kiran Patil is the founder of Organic Facts. He has a keen interest in health, nutrition, and organic living. He completed his B.Tech and M. Tech (Chemical Engineering) from IIT Bombay and has been actively writing about health and nutrition since over past 12 years. When not working he likes to trek and do gardening.

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